Why the Jay Huff signing is important for the Los Angeles Lakers

One day prior to opening night for the Los Angeles Lakers, the team announced the signing of seven-foot-one center Jay Huff to their final two-way roster spot. Huff played for the University of Virginia, where he won a championship in 2019, before he went undrafted in 2021. Jay signed with the Washington Wizards in the offseason, but was released by the team after he briefly appeared in two preseason games.

The most recent trend points to Washington being a pipeline for former Los Angeles players, but now the tables have turned. While Huff didn’t play much of a role at all for the Wizards, he’ll be able to develop and contribute to an injury-ridden Lakers team if his number is called.

Los Angeles Lakers sign Jay Huff to final two-way contract spot

The Jay Huff two-way contract signing isn’t near as important as the Lakers opening up the regular season on Tuesday night, but it’s still newsworthy. Huff did well at the collegiate level, making the ACC All-Defensive Team during his final season as a Cavalier. Players that excel at the collegiate level don’t always have an easy transition to the NBA, but Jay will have the unique opportunity to play behind DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard.

Los Angeles released rookie Joel Ayayi last week and he was then claimed off of waivers by Washington. The Lakers returned the favor by snagging Jay, who was on the path to play for the the Wizards G-League team, the Capital City Go-Gos.

Last year, Huff averaged 13 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. The Lakers have performed poorly on the defensive end, so Jay’s ability to actually play defense is enough to provide encouragement to Los Angeles fans.

The Lakers are the oldest team in the NBA, so longevity is necessary, and Huff will have the chance to come in and earn a couple of minutes here and there. He won’t see the court at Staples Center a whole lot, unless Los Angeles is hit with more injuries. You never know, though. Just look at how fellow rookie Austin Reaves has progressed in a few short months with the Lakers.

During summer league, Jay averaged 4.5 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks. There’s a lot to build on there. Yes, the Wizards are far below the level of play that the Lakers are currently at, so the fact that they released Huff could raise some red flags. However, Los Angeles holds a reputation of developing young talent.

It’s not a groundbreaking signing, but it’s a small victory on the eve of an 82-game season. Huff will get to work on his game with the South Bay Lakers and help Los Angeles when he’s needed. The Los Angeles Lakers have nothing to lose with this signing and since Jay can provide protection at the rim, it’s worth a shot.